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Life with two little ones is a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and an endless stream of daily routines. For us, that often means preparing formula – for not one, but two babies! Lauren, our newest addition, naturally requires formula, but on her pediatrician’s recommendation, our sweet Olivia also uses it. It’s a nightly ritual that my husband, Franklyn, and I now take turns managing. We’ve established a smooth process: preparing two fresh batches before bedtime using Gerber® Pure® Water. This isn’t just any water; it’s specially purified for infants, making it ideal for mixing with formula or cereal, and it’s always readily available at Walmart. The trust we place in Gerber® Pure® Water for our babies’ health and well-being is why it’s been a staple in our home for so long.
The sheer volume of empty Gerber® Pure® Water gallons in our recycling bin by week’s end can be quite surprising. While we diligently recycle, I also love finding creative ways to repurpose these sturdy bottles. My son, Joseph, and Olivia often enjoy playing with them, and I’ve discovered they’re perfect for various DIY projects. Today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite and most practical upcycling ideas: a beautiful and functional DIY Baby Headband and Hair Bow Holder. With two daughters, our collection of bows and headbands seems to grow exponentially, and they often end up scattered around the house. This organizer isn’t just for hair accessories; it’s also fantastic for keeping paci clips and even the girls’ tiny earrings neatly stored and easily accessible.
Transforming Empties into Essentials: Why a DIY Headband Holder?
As parents, we’re constantly looking for ways to streamline our lives and keep our homes organized, especially with little ones around. The nursery, in particular, can quickly become overwhelmed with tiny accessories – from adorable headbands and bows to pacifier clips and miniature jewelry. Before I discovered this simple DIY project, I found myself constantly searching for matching bows or untangling a knotted mess of headbands. This inspired me to create a dedicated, easy-to-access storage solution.
The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity and its eco-friendly approach. By repurposing an empty Gerber® Pure® Water gallon, we not only prevent plastic from going straight to the landfill but also create something truly useful and personalized. It’s a win-win: a practical organization tool for the nursery and a fun, creative outlet for parents. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to involve older siblings, like Joseph, in a gentle craft activity, teaching them about recycling and creativity.
The Importance of Purified Water for Baby Formula
Before we dive into the craft, let’s briefly touch upon why Gerber® Pure® Water is our go-to choice for formula preparation. When it comes to our babies’ health, we don’t compromise. Tap water, while generally safe for adults, can sometimes contain impurities or varying mineral levels that aren’t ideal for an infant’s developing system. Gerber® Pure® Water undergoes a rigorous purification process, including distillation or reverse osmosis, to ensure it’s free from fluoride, sodium, and other minerals that could potentially affect formula consistency or a baby’s delicate digestive system. This purification process gives us peace of mind, knowing that every bottle we prepare for Lauren and Olivia is made with water specifically designed for their needs.
Buying it in gallon sizes from Walmart is also incredibly convenient, ensuring we always have a fresh supply on hand for those frequent formula feedings. The sheer number of empty gallons we accumulate truly highlights how often we rely on this trusted product, making it an excellent resource for repurposing.
DIY Baby Headband & Hair Bow Holder: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this adorable and practical organizer is incredibly simple, requires minimal supplies, and can be customized to match any nursery decor. Gather your materials, and let’s get crafting!
Supplies:
- An empty Gerber® Pure® Water gallon (rinsed and dried thoroughly)
- Spray paint (choose a color that complements your nursery or child’s room)
- Hole puncher
- Strips of fabric (repurpose old clothing, scraps, or buy new ribbon/fabric for a cohesive look)
- Box cutter or sharp utility knife (adult supervision required for this step)
How To:
Prepare Your Base: Take your empty and clean Gerber® Pure® Water gallon. Using a box cutter, carefully cut along the line that wraps around the bottom of the gallon. This will create a sturdy ring. For a larger holder, you can cut slightly higher, perhaps in the middle of the gallon, to get a deeper ring. Don’t worry if your cut isn’t perfectly straight; the fabric strips will beautifully camouflage any imperfections, giving it a charming, handmade look.
Punch the Holes: Once you have your plastic ring, use your hole puncher to create evenly spaced holes along the entire top edge. These holes are where you’ll attach your fabric strips, so make sure they are consistent in distance. This step is easy enough for older children to help with, fostering their involvement in the DIY process.
Add a Splash of Color: Take your plastic ring outdoors or to a well-ventilated area. Apply an even coat of spray paint to the entire surface. Allow it to dry completely according to the paint manufacturer’s instructions, then apply a second coat if necessary for full coverage. For example, I aimed for a vibrant candy apple red for mine, but depending on the lighting, it sometimes takes on a different hue. This step allows for immense customization – choose a pastel for a soft nursery, a bright color for a playful room, or metallic for a touch of glamour.
Attach the Fabric Strips: Now for the fun part! Cut your fabric into strips. The thinner you cut them, the more strips you can fit, and the fuller and prettier your holder will look. You can vary the lengths slightly for a more dynamic effect. Thread each fabric strip through a hole and tie it securely with a simple knot or bow. Continue until all the holes are filled with fabric, creating a beautiful fringe around the holder. You can use coordinating colors, contrasting patterns, or a single color for a minimalist look. This is where your personal style truly shines!
Display and Organize: Your DIY baby headband and hair bow holder is now complete! Set it on a dresser in your nursery, on a shelf, or even in the bathroom if that’s where you tend to get your little ones ready. Hang headbands and hair bows from the fabric strips, and use the central opening for larger items or even small trinkets. You’ll be amazed at how much tidier and more organized your baby’s accessories become!
Beyond Headbands: Versatility of Your New Organizer
While designed for headbands and bows, this versatile holder can be adapted for many other small items that tend to get lost. Consider using it for:
- Pacifier clips: No more searching for missing pacifiers!
- Small necklaces or bracelets for older children.
- Tiny socks or booties: roll them up and tuck them in.
- Hair clips and barrettes: easily clip them onto the fabric strips.
- As a decorative piece in a child’s room, even without holding anything specific, thanks to its vibrant colors and textures.
This adaptability makes it an even more valuable addition to any parent’s organizational toolkit.
Embracing Sustainability and Creativity with Gerber
Using Gerber baby products has been a consistent choice for me across all my children, from formula to baby food. It’s incredibly rewarding to discover new ways to incorporate and reuse items like the Gerber Pure® Water gallon, transforming what would otherwise be waste into something both fun and functional. This project not only helps keep our home organized but also reinforces the value of recycling and creative repurposing.
I hope this DIY project inspires you to look at everyday items with a fresh, creative perspective. It’s a small step towards sustainability that yields a big impact on nursery organization. Give it a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and useful for your little ones!
For more information on Gerber and Gerber® Pure® Water at Walmart, be sure to visit their websites and explore their range of products designed with your baby’s health in mind.